Quality versus Quantity versus Impact: a Discussion
This final page of my project serves as a discussion and interpretation of sources that elevate my main argument: Inaccurate representation is harmful towards Indigenous peoples.
The Americans exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian is an incredible virtual and in-person experience in showcasing the extent to which mis-representation of Indigenous peoples has gone. In the in person exhibit, there are thousands of racist and misrepresentative images, posters, propaganda, objects, etc. of Indigenous peoples that line the walls of the space. In both the online and in-person versions, there are four main truths told amongst the thousands of inaccuracies: The truth about Thanksgiving, The Queen of America, The Indian Removal Act, and the Battle at Little Bighorn. Lacking from the virtual exhibit is the inclusion of videos from non-Native people describing the first time they either learned about Native peoples or the first time they learned our true histories. While not showcased in the source, I felt this was important to mention: in portraying harmful images of Indigenous people through racial caricatures and distortions, who is the target audience? Contrastingly, who does it impact? Similarly, are the four true stories told about our history in the exhibit enough to counteract the thousands of inaccurate portrayals surrounding it?
The poem “Fiction Versus Nonfiction” (2020) is another narrative shared by an Indigenous activist, elder, and poet, Lois Beardslee (Lake Superior Anishinaabe). Within her piece, she draws on several themes that I have previously mentioned. In particular, this piece draws on the imbalance of real representations and falsified representations of Indigenous peoples. She brings to light a key theme throughout this entire exhibit: “...who owns what and who owns whom.”
Lastly, and most importantly, the inclusion of accurate histories and contemporary examples of Indigenous peoples is undoubtedly important and impactful for Indigenous peoples. To see yourself represented, in an accurate way, in a truthful way in the mainstream is vital to our sense of selves; and ultimately to our healing.
References:
@ayayagreyeye. “Watching Reservation Dogs Was a Healing Experience.” Twitter. Twitter, August 10, 2022. https://twitter.com/ayayagreyeye/status/1557160750023487488.
Americans exhibition. 18 January 2018-present. National Museum of the American Indian. Smithsonian Institution. Washington D.C. https://americanindian.si.edu/americans/#
Beardslee, Lois. “Poem: Fiction Versus Nonfiction.” New York Times Magazine. New York Times Magazine, April 9, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/magazine/poem-fiction-versus-nonfiction.html.